Echoes in Smoke: The Psychedelic Fusion of Cultures and Sound

In the hills of Barcelona, a unique fusion of talent and diverse cultural backgrounds gave birth to Echoes in Smoke. Comprising of three members – Anastasia Oleinik, Pat Demarcq, and Jose Jünemann – Echoes in Smoke weaves together an intoxicating blend of post-punk, electronic, and psychedelic elements to create a musical experience that transcends borders and conventions.

The band’s origin story is an intriguing tale. It all began in 2017 when Pat Demarcq relocated to Spain, seeking a communal space for artistic endeavors. In Barcelona, he crossed paths with Anastasia Oleinik through a mutual musician, and their instant musical chemistry laid the foundation for Echoes in Smoke. Eager to expand their sonic horizons, the duo felt the need for a skilled percussionist and producer, leading them to Jose Jünemann, a seasoned musician hailing from Chile.

Echoes in Smoke’s multinational heritage is evident in their members’ origins – Anastasia from Sweden with Russian and Bolivian roots, Pat from England, and Jose from Chile. This diverse background brings a rich array of influences and perspectives to their music, making it truly borderless and all-encompassing.

Before Echoes in Smoke, each member had their share of musical endeavors. Anastasia had a punk band called Natural Disasters, which left a lasting impact inspired by both post-punk legends and the iconic David Bowie. Pat, on the other hand, ventured into the late 90s rave scene with his electronic breakbeat act Future Fossils before exploring solo electronic productions. Jose’s musical journey dates back to the 90s as well, with notable contributions to bands like June or July, Familea Miranda, and VYMAANIKA, alongside his current involvement with LinaLab and his solo projects.

The band’s intriguing name, Echoes in Smoke, came to life through a song about dragons that was eventually discarded. Nevertheless, the name stuck and perfectly encapsulates their ethereal and enigmatic sound.

When it comes to songwriting, Echoes in Smoke’s process is a collaborative endeavor. Anastasia’s talent for storytelling and scene-building complements Pat’s creation of riffs and textures. Together, they craft melodies that set the tone for their compositions. The trio is further unified through extensive improvisation, which allows them to organically explore new musical territories and create their hypnotic sound.

Their latest release, “BONES,” exemplifies their captivating fusion of bass-driven grooves, surfy guitars, and dreamy vocals. Released by the Mallorca-based label Lanzador de Cuchillos, the track takes listeners on a journey through black magic and dreams, further solidifying Echoes in Smoke’s reputation as masters of creating entrancing musical experiences.

The band draws inspiration from an eclectic range of artists, including The Cure, PJ Harvey, Massive Attack, The Clash, Nine Inch Nails, and more. Their love for electronic music and movie soundtracks also seeps into their compositions. Moreover, the counterculture movements, rave and punk ethos, dada, surrealism, and poignant social issues serve as essential sources of inspiration.

Despite being based in a small but vibrant Barcelona scene, Echoes in Smoke has managed to garner substantial support for their music. Their growing fanbase eagerly awaits their live performances, and they recently completed a successful UK tour. From a Friday night slot at Rough Trade Records in Nottingham to enchanting crowds at The Windmill in Brixton and Noisily Festival, the band left a lasting impression on their British audience.

Looking ahead, the future seems brighter than ever for Echoes in Smoke. With a new album in the works, they are already planning another UK tour for 2024 and exploring opportunities to perform in Europe, Japan, and Mexico. As they continue to embrace their psychedelic fusion of cultures and sounds, the band’s enigmatic charm is bound to captivate audiences worldwide. Echoes in Smoke is undoubtedly a band to keep on your radar. Their genre-defying music and magnetic stage presence promise an experience that transcends the ordinary, making them a true gem in the contemporary music scene. So, if you ever find yourself craving a hypnotic journey through the realms of sound, Echoes in Smoke might just be the perfect soundtrack to your sonic exploration.

Follow the band on their socials @echoesinsmoke

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